The "tipping point" in the Alzheimer's dialogue: it's all about the messenger.

May 14, 2008. On first impression, it was one more earing on Capitol Hill, but I knew intuitively this was not oing to be business as usual. Testifying for the first time on he subject of Alzheimer’s disease were two historic figures f unique and compelling stature: Retired US Supreme ourt Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, and former Speaker of he US House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, speaking s co-panelists of the recently-formed Alzheimer’s Study roup (ASG). As an advocate, 14-year veteran caregiver to two Alzeimer’s patients, and former television reporter, I had read heir pre-submitted testimony and knew I needed to be here. It was apparent that everyone in the hearing room ould be witness to a seminal moment when the battle cry f Alzheimer’s advocates would be echoed and amplified by ar more powerful and historic voices that could change the onversation into a movement and mobilize a generation nd the nation. These were individuals who had made history before. ustice O’Connor, the first woman Justice on the Supreme ourt, had spent decades finding the rational and sound iddle ground for difficult social and political Court deciions. Near the end of her career, she had performed this ole while serving as full-time caregiver to her husband ohn who was struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. Justice ’Connor, now retired, was making her first formal declaation regarding the disease and the country’s response to it. Similarly, Newt Gingrich was no stranger to historical chievements: an insider with 20 years of leadership in ongress, who had orchestrated some of the most intricate nd all-encompassing feats of legislation and outright pol-